What's the Next Step in Advanced Algebra After Artin and Dummit?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the next steps in advanced algebra for individuals with a strong background in linear algebra, specifically after completing courses covering determinants, diagonalization, and the spectral theorem. Participants recommend Robert Ash's free online book for its assumption of linear algebra knowledge and suitability for first-year graduate students. While Artin's book is acknowledged for its comprehensive coverage, it is suggested to skip certain chapters if they are redundant. Dummit and Foote are mentioned as less favorable options for those seeking more challenging material.

PREREQUISITES
  • Linear Algebra, including determinants and diagonalization
  • Understanding of the Cayley-Hamilton theorem and Jordan forms
  • Basic concepts of groups and rings in abstract algebra
  • Familiarity with advanced calculus, particularly in several dimensions
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore Robert Ash's free online book on abstract algebra
  • Study Hungerford's "Algebra" for a more rigorous approach to abstract algebra
  • Review Artin's "Algebra" with a focus on chapters relevant to group theory
  • Investigate the relationship between linear algebra and group theory in advanced algebra
USEFUL FOR

Students transitioning from linear algebra to abstract algebra, particularly those preparing for graduate-level mathematics courses, as well as educators seeking resources for teaching advanced algebra concepts.

samspotting
Messages
86
Reaction score
0
I just finished a very rigorous second course in linear algebra covering determinants, diagonalization, cayley hamilton thm and invariant subspaces, normal/self adjoint/unitary operators and the spectral thm, and jordan forms. I also have finished calc 3, analysis in several dimensions.

I flipped through artin and saw that it covered a lot of what I knew already (just from looking at the table of contents). What is a good book for someone with my background? I've heard bad things about dummit and foote.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Personally, I like D&F. If it's too easy (it's about the same level as Artin), you can go right to Hungerford.
So you have a good background in linear algebra...but have you seen anything on group and ring theory?
 
I have never studied abstract algebra, so I know very little of even what it covers. I know the basic definition of a ring and group. I was confused as to why there is so much lin alg in artin. Is it from a group theory perspective?
 
Artin is an excellent book. Just skip or skim over chapters 1,3,4 and do the rest of the book normally. The books set up the way it is because the course at MIT the book is based contained abstract algebra and abstract linear algebra together.

Or Robert Ash's book is free and assumes linear algebra, although his book is meant for a first year graduate class instead of an undergrad class.
http://www.math.uiuc.edu/~r-ash/Algebra.html
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
8K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
7K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Poll Poll
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
8K